What kinds of vaccines for pneumococcus exist and when are they usually given?

June 15, 2014 by Karen Hill | Filed Under: Health

There are two vaccines for pneumococcal disease, one with seven serotypes (PCV7) and one with twentythree serotypes (PPV23). Both vaccines are polysaccharide vaccines. This means that because only part of the bacteria was used to make the vaccine, it is impossible to develop the disease from the vaccine.

PCV7 has the brand name of Prevnar and is recommended for children up to age five. The routine schedule recommends a dose at two, four, and six months, with a booster at twelve to fifteen months.

PPV23 has the brand name of Pneumovax and is recommended for anyone over sixty-five and for younger adults with certain diseases, such as diabetes. In the fall of 2008, the recommendation for Pneumovax was extended to all smokers and anyone with asthma. In certain high-risk children, Pneumovax can be given as early as age two, with one repeat dose three to five years later.